Work Imp progress

Apologies for the crap pun; “Work Imp progress” is the best I can do for the title of this feature. It was either that, “Hillman(iacs)” or “Rootes manoeuvres”. Anyway, the cars… Minis have always been popular for customisers. From the earliest days of the car owners were adding spotlamps and blistered arches and going for that rally look for example, perhaps inspired by the Mini’s endless motorsport triumphs, or, more realistically, just because it looks cool. The Hillman Imp, of similar vintage, always seems to have been owned by folks who left ‘em as standard for some reason. Until now.

Around the corner from MotorPunk’s global corporate HQ is an ace little bodyshop customising some unlikely motors. The red Imp is owned by a chap who does trim, hence the splendid seats with the ’76 logo, the year this one was made. The engine mounted characteristically low in the back looks like the standard 875cc ally block but I’ll bet it’s a bit spicier than standard. The Imp has complex suspension to allow for the engine’s location, handling developed by a chap called Mike Parkes who also raced in F1. The cars were originally built by Scottish communists from ’73 to ’76 and, original build quality aside, are a hoot. For a full history lesson, you might want to read this, I’m more interested in looks.

The red Imp is obviously work in progress but the wheels, arches, stance and paint look great already. The white one is a coupe, known as a Californian, and awaiting who knows what mods. The rake on the rear screen looks sporty but the performance is actually slightly inferior to the standard model, so I’m told. It’s great that these cars are no longer overlooked and that the retro crowd are embracing Imps like this. I want the white one; I’d chop the suspension, give it a ducktail, stuff a VVC K-series in the back and forget all about those Minis. What do you reckon?

 

5 Responses

1. 

   Dick Diggler January 9, 2015

   Where is this garage exactly Rich? Looks very interesting for a little job I need doing?
   Dick

   Reply
   • 

     Rich Duisberg January 9, 2015

     It’s in Leicester, I think the number is 0116 264 0386.

     Reply
2. 

   Mark M January 9, 2015

   At risk of being a complete Geek (as opposed to part time one) Imp was built from 1965 all the way up to 1976. You were right about the communists though.

   PS. Car had a huge history in circuit racing with some massive body kits. http://www.cantbearsedlookingforalink.com

   Reply
   • 

     Rich Duisberg January 9, 2015

     I salute your geekery, Mr M. Thanks for the contribution. Can we expect to see you on one of our trackdays this year? We owe you a cup of milky tea and a sticky bun.

     Reply
3. Total restoration of one of the oldest MX-5s around • MotorPunk August 30, 2015

   […] the rest of my car), needed a refurb. The nice chap doing it, co-incidentally, is the owner of a beautiful modified Imp I featured a while ago. He removed the retaining rings and rebuilt the foam inside, a job that looks simple but is clearly […]

   Reply